Southwest Missouri News

Branson

Flavor of the Ozarks set for June 15

Branson-Hollister Rotary Club's annual Flavor of the Ozarks will begin 6 p.m. June 15 at the Radisson Hotel in Branson. The event includes both a silent and live auction and food selections from 15 area restaurants and Stone Hill Winery. The fund-raiser will benefit Lives Under Construction. Tickets are $25 and may be purchased through the Rotary Club, First Community Bank and Ozark Mountain Bank.

Rankin honored as economic developer

Michael Rankin, executive director of the Branson Regional Economic Development Association, was honored May 20 as the 1999 Missouri Economic Developer of the Year by the Missouri Economic Development Council.

Rankin has had an active role with the Missouri Economic Development Council including serving as a councilor and past president. Rankin joined BREDA in March after holding the position of economic development director for both Cuivre River Electric Cooperative of Troy and the city of O'Fallon for the past 10 years.

"I spent 10 years in a very pro-growth, pro-business county (St. Charles). It was one of the fastest growing areas," Rankin said.

He said, however, "I have vacationed here (Branson) for the last 25 years and always wanted to live here. ... I see more opportunity here than in most areas."

About his job with BREDA, Rankin said, "My goal is to provide demographic information for the area. That process is ongoing."

He said he is compiling data for community economic profiles for the greater Branson region, which includes Taney and Stone counties. These profiles will later be developed into packets for businesses that inquire about the area. Rankin said he is also seeking additional partners to invest in BREDA. "I've approached the city of Hollister and Taney County," Rankin said.

Participating partners in BREDA include Akers & Arney Insurance Associates Inc.